Use one of these simple and creative kitchen backsplash ideas on a budget to give your kitchen a serious face-lift without breaking the bank!
This post was originally published on February 6, 2019 and has since been updated to include more resources and links to related products.
Updating or adding a stylish backsplash to a kitchen one of my favorite ways to fancy up a home!
Not only is your backsplash a large section of your kitchen, but it’s also something you look at quite a bit when working in there, so in my mind, it should be fun to look at!
I realize that many of the fancy or stylish backsplashes seen in designer kitchens are super expensive, so in today’s post I wanted to share with you some SIMPLE and AFFORDABLE ways to update your kitchen backsplash on a budget!
Each of these kitchen backsplash ideas to DIY are something you can do in a weekend and require much less in the way of financial investment than their traditional counterparts.
I hope these cheap backsplash ideas to DIY help you discover an easy way to add some expensive looking style to your kitchen!
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10 Inexpensive Backsplash Ideas
Peel & Stick DIY Backsplash Ideas
1. Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Wallpaper has come a long ways in the last 10 years – not only with more styles available, but also with an ease of installation!
Many wallpapers now come with a peel and stick backer so you don’t have to worry about the gluing process.
Plus, it’s easy to remove when you want to change it out again!
You can find all sorts of wallpaper online, but check your local hardware stores too because many times you can find clearance papers making the process even more affordable.
Go big with this option – pick something with pazzazz like a bold floral print or a geometric concept and gain a lot of interest in your kitchen’s design!
If you like the look of natural elements like stone or distressed wood for a kitchen backsplash, but don’t want to go to all the work and expense of installing the real stuff, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some great wallpaper options for getting this look too!
There are layered stone designs (this one’s even 3D!) as well as reclaimed wood and beach wood.
SHOP PEEL & STICK WALLPAPER:
2. Peel & Stick Tile Wallpaper
I am AMAZED by the number of stylish peel & stick tiles that are available online.
Honestly, just about whatever look you’re going for can be accomplished with this easy-to-install method!
From subway tile to glass tile, to carrara marble to ornate tile – it’s all available.
Of course, keep in mind that while these will look authentic from far away, but many of the reviews mention that up close they’re obviously a sticker.
So if you’re looking for more of a permanent option – you might opt to try one of the next few DIY backsplash ideas that use paneling!
SHOP PEEL & STICK TILE WALLPAPER:
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3. Peel & Stick Glass Tiles
These glass tiles are so pretty! They look very classy and are much easier to install than true mortar and grout tile.
If you’re looking for a quick project with a lot of class, this is a great option!
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Paneled DIY Backsplash Ideas
4. Brick Paneling
In our kitchen, we wanted to use our backsplash as a way of adding a bit of color to the space, so we chose to install a cheap and easy brick paneling.
We did the entire kitchen in an afternoon, and for under $40! You can see the entire tutorial here. It’s one of my favorite DIY backsplash ideas for a kitchen.
The great thing about this paneling is, not only does it look really authentic (we get asked ALL THE TIME if it’s real brick) but it can be installed right over the top of your existing backsplash.
Also, it can easily be painted or white-washed to achieve a different look!
If you’re wanting a low-cost option for getting a farmhouse look, this is the way to go!
SHOP BRICK PANELING:
5. Bead Board Paneling
A great option for getting a country or cottage-style look is with simple beadboard paneling!
We installed this type of backsplash in our previous home and loved it.
It adds just the right amount of casual interest without making the backsplash feel like too much of a focal point.
SHOP BEAD BOARD PANELING:
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6. Wood Paneling
If you’re wanting more of a rustic style, try wood paneling in the natural wood tones, rather than the white bead board.
There are lots of different options depending on your style preference!
SHOP WOOD PANELING:
DIY Backsplash Ideas Using Paint
7. Painted Subway Tile
I was BLOWN AWAY by this creative DIY from Nicki at Sweet Parish Home! She literally just painted subway tile pattern onto the sheetrock walls between her countertops and upper cabinets to make it appear like she had subway tile. Brilliant, right?!
If you’re looking for the classic style of subway tile without all the cost, then you’ve got to go check out her tutorial!
8. Epoxy Paint Existing Tile
One of the simplest ways to update an outdated tile backsplash that no longer fits your style is to paint it!
We painted the tile in our bathroom with this epoxy, and it worked super well. Stands up to the wear and tear of our kids and is still in perfect condition after well over a year!
If you aren’t a fan of the glossy white color of the epoxy, you could also use chalk paint in any variety of color – I’d just recommend applying a sealer over the top to make it water proof for your kitchen. 🙂
SHOP TILE PAINTS:
9. Stencil Existing Tile with Paint
Another easy (and very trendy) way to update your existing tile with paint is to paint over it with chalk paint using a stencil.
This method mimics the ceramic tile that is so popular right now and adds some serious character to your kitchen!
There are quite a few stencil companies that make stencils specifically for painting tile, and you can get them in a size made to match your existing kitchen backsplash tile.
A few of my favorites are Cutting Edge Stencils and Stencil Revolution.
The neat thing about this DIY backsplash idea is that you can completely customize the style of your new backsplash!
You get to pick the stencil design, as well as the colors you paint.
I’d recommend doing two high-contrast paints (so one light and one dark) in order to maximize the style.
Oh, and don’t forget to seal your tile with some sort of poly-acrylic or polyurethane!
Other Creative DIY Backsplash Ideas
10. Laminate or Vinyl Flooring
If you’re wanting the look of wood on your backsplash, try installing laminate or luxury vinyl flooring on the wall!
You get the durability and waterproof qualities of the flooring, as well as look of hardwood or tile.
This method is ideal for situations where your planning to do an entire wall of materials or where your backsplash transitions into a large wall.
Just keep in mind, if you do this, you won’t be able to install the flooring using its traditional “floating” click-and-lock method. You’ll have to either glue it using liquid nails or nail it on the tongue using a stapler or small nail gun.
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Ok, let’s review.
What can I use as a cheap backsplash?
- Peel & Stick Wallpaper
- Peel & Stick Tile Wallpaper
- Peel & Stick Glass Tile
- Brick Paneling
- Bead Board Paneling
- Wood Paneling
- Painted Subway Tile
- Epoxy Paint and Existing Tile
- Stencil Existing Tile with Paint
- Laminate or Vinyl Flooring
So, what do you think of these 10 kitchen backsplash ideas on a budget?
Any of them stand out to you to try in your home?
I’d love to know if you try one!
Let me know in the comments. 🙂
The paneling will be fine to go over a mildly textured wall, but the texture will have to be flat enough that the paneling doesn’t sit at an angle when installed. So if the “rocky design” you’re describing has large rocks in it that would push the paneling away from the wall at some spaces, it may need to be sanded down or adjusted before installing. Hope that helps!
Thank you for these helpful tips! I really like the brick and the wood paneling as their styles add more rustic or vintage vibes to the entire room which I’m planning to do for my room renovation. Does the wall need to be flat or smooth surfaced to install those brick paneling? Some of our walls right now have this rigid or rocky design and I want to change them with something new like bricks.
Thank you for these amazing ideas! I especially like wood paneling. By the way, if you want to add more wood in your kitchen backsplash – upgrade your cutting boards with ooden ones.
You have shared a great list of ideas here. I hope people will use your tips for making their kitchen beautiful in their budget. Thanks and keep posting more.
Well researched, unique, and very useful content. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent Pocket friendly ideas….!!!